aero3113 Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 How can I tell what type of brake fluid I have in my 50 plymouth? The guy that owned the car before me installed new wheel cylinders and master cylinder, just curious what type of fluid is in it incase I ever have to bleed and top off. Quote
oldmopar Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 How can I tell what type of brake fluid I have in my 50 plymouth? The guy that owned the car before me installed new wheel cylinders and master cylinder, just curious what type of fluid is in it incase I ever have to bleed and top off. No qurantee but silicone dot 5 is usually a purplish while conventional fluid (dot 3 or 4) is clear Quote
Alexander Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 I have usually seen silicon (dot 5) fluid as being purple. All others are basically clear. Quote
oldmopar Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 can you mix dot 3 and 4 ? yes 3 & 4 but if it has been in brake system a while you may want to flush the system to clean out the water and other impurities and just refill it with fresh fluid. dot 5 is Not mixable with 3 or 4 Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 I think you're suposed to flush the system with alcohol......is that right? Quote
Young Ed Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Bob if you are just doing it to replace the fluid with new you just flush it with new brake fluid. The alcohol is for trying to swap to dot5. You should be able to just bleed each wheel while keeping the MC full and the system will be renewed. Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Ed, what I meant was if you are going to change to Dot 5......then flush with alcohol. Otherwise, I think your plan is good. Isn't Dot 5 supposed to keep down moisture buildup in the brake system? Someone just the other day said their recent brake rebuild was already messed up and was going to change to 5. Quote
Young Ed Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Dot 5 apparently doesn't attract moisture like dot3. But I wonder what happens if some does get in there? does it sit in one spot and rust a line? does none get in there? For the price I haven't tried it in any of my cars. Quote
oldmopar Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Dot 5 apparently doesn't attract moisture like dot3. But I wonder what happens if some does get in there? does it sit in one spot and rust a line? does none get in there? For the price I haven't tried it in any of my cars. Not sure what happens to the water but I have used dot 5 in 3 vehicles one I still own two I sold to friends. The oldest a 49 d30 has to be about 4-5 years ago and know problems with the brakes that I know of. I think it is good stuff while it is a little more expensive for the fluid it does seem to be less problematic then the dot3, also does not eat paint when you spill it Quote
Young Ed Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Thats not a long enough test. My car and truck have had dot 3 in them longer then that and also no issues. Quote
oldmopar Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 Ed, Are you vehicles driven or stored. Not sure why but I think the water and rust problems come into play more when a vehicle is stored and not driven much Quote
Young Ed Posted October 7, 2008 Report Posted October 7, 2008 I think you are right. Mine are driven. They are stored through the winter though without being touched. Usually about 5 months of sitting. Quote
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